Mobile vacuum boring and mud recovery method having an articulated vacuum conduit boom with digging bucket

ABSTRACT

A mobile vacuum boring and mud recovery method comprising a device which will create a vacuum condition within a vacuum container and having a vacuum conduit to transport a liquid and or solid particles into the vacuum container. The vacuum conduit may be configured as a powered articulated boom with sufficient structural strength to support and operate an earth-digging bucket mounted adjacent to the suction end of the vacuum conduit. The vacuum conduit boom may have the added feature or attachments chosen from a telescoping vacuum conduit section, sensor to locate buried utilities, water spray nozzle, man hole cover remover cutting tool grinding tool, saw, blasting tool, surface cleaning tool, demolition tool, torque wrench, tractor to pull vacuum hose, jetter nozzle, camera, monitors and controls to operate the attachments and their function and power sources to operate them. The vacuum container may be mounted horizontal, vertical or in order to be compact and work better for recycling, the vacuum container may be mounted on an incline to provide space beneath it to locate a water storage container. The inclined vacuum tank facilitates gravitational assistance in both separation of liquids and solids as well as unloading debris. The vacuum container may further comprise a means to separate a liquid from solids. A dispensing device may be added to dispense a liquid or a solid from the vacuum container without eliminating the vacuum environment within the vacuum container, and said vacuum container having the ability to fill, store and dispense its contents simultaneously. The above described vacuum system may be mounted on a variety of mobile platforms, chosen from but not limited to a trailer, truck, skid steer, fork lift, track hoe, railroad car, or zero turn radius vehicle which may have the added feature of being convertible between a powered vehicle and a trailer.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Non Provisional applicationSer. No. 09/722,797 filed 27 Nov. 2000 and U.S. Non ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 10/217,055 filed 12 Aug. 2002 to include it's 24Sept. 2002 & 12 Mar. 2003 amendment and U.S. Provisional Application No.60/363,058 filed on 11 MAR. 2002 and U.S. Provisional Application No.60/384,719 filed on 3 JUN. 2002, which were parent cases of CIP10/217,055

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a mobile vacuum boring and mud recoverymethod comprising a device that will create a vacuum condition within avacuum container, and having a vacuum conduit to transport a liquid andor solid particles into the vacuum container. The vacuum conduit may beconfigured as a powered articulated boom with sufficient structuralstrength to support and operate an earth-digging bucket mounted adjacentto the suction end of the vacuum conduit. The vacuum conduit boom mayhave the added feature or attachments chosen from a telescoping vacuumconduit section, sensor to locate buried utilities, water spray nozzle,man hole cover remover cutting tool grinding tool, saw, blasting tool,surface cleaning tool, demolition tool, torque wrench, tractor to pullvacuum hose, jetter nozzle, camera, monitors and controls to operate theattachments and their function and power sources to operate them. Thevacuum container may be mounted horizontal, vertical or in order to becompact and work better for recycling, the vacuum container may bemounted on an incline to provide space beneath it to locate a waterstorage container. The inclined vacuum tank facilitates gravitationalassistance in both separation of liquids & solids as well as unloadingdebris. The vacuum container may further comprise a means to separate aliquid from solids. A dispensing device may be added to dispense aliquid or a solid from the vacuum container without eliminating thevacuum environment within the vacuum container, and said vacuumcontainer having the ability to fill, store and dispense its contentssimultaneously. The above described vacuum system may be mounted on avariety of mobile platforms, chosen from but not limited to a trailer,truck, skid steer, fork lift, track hoe, railroad car, or zero turnradius vehicle which may have the added feature of being convertiblebetween a powered vehicle & a trailer.

2. Description of the Related Art

Current state of the art vacuum boring and mud recovery systems have avacuum container having the ability to be filled and store liquid andsolid particles. A manually movable vacuum hose is used to vacuum solidsand liquids into the vacuum container by moving the suction end of thevacuum hose into proximity to the solid or liquid to be vacuumed. Apowered articulating boom is some times used to move the vacuum hose.Loosening of dirt to be vacuumed is often done with air pressure orwater pressure. After filling said vacuum container to a predeterminedcapacity, the vacuum producing device must be discontinued, the fillingmust discontinue, the vacuum environment within the vacuum container iseliminated, the container opened and the contents dumped out. After thecontainer is emptied, the vacuum-producing device may be restarted andthe filling and storing may restart. Currently, vacuum containerscapable of vacuuming mud and boring earth are operated as a batchprocess. The vacuum debris container is mounted horizontal and filledwith debris. After it is full of debris a hydraulic jack tilts the tankfor unloading. The vacuum tank, water tank, and other support equipmentare each mounted separately on a trailer or truck bed, thus consuming alot of floor space.

The primary objective of the present invention is to provide a means tomechanically loosen solids at the suction end of the vacuum conduit.

It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a meansof converting the vacuum conduit into a powered articulated boom withsufficient structural strength to attach and articulate mechanical meansof loosening solids to be vacuumed.

It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a meansof mounting an earth digging bucket adjacent to the suction end of thevacuum conduit.

It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a meansof mounting permanently or temporarily various mechanical means toloosen solids to be vacuumed, chosen from an excavator bucket, grinder,vibrator, hammer, ultra sonic or air over water demolition.

It is yet another objective of the present invention to mount the abovementioned bulk solids loosening and vacuum conduit boom on to a vacuumcontainer which is compact, concentrates weight, and has the ability tooperate as a continuous process by dispensing liquids or solids as itvacuums.

It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a meansof separating the stored contents by predetermined category anddispensing them without stopping the vacuum fill and store operation oreliminating the vacuum environment within the vacuum container.

It is yet another objective of the present invention to mount the abovementioned improvements on a mobile platform chosen from a trailer,truck, skid steer, fork lift, track hoe, railroad car, or zero turnradius vehicle which may have the added feature of being convertiblebetween a powered vehicle & a trailer.

It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide anarticulated powered vacuum conduit boom with sufficient structuralstrength to allow an operator to move and control the location of thesuction end of the vacuum conduit and said suction end of said vacuumconduit have an earth digging bucket mounted adjacent to it, and saidconduit boom with said earth digging bucket being mounted on a mobilevehicle, and a preferred vehicle being a powered zero turn radiusvehicle having the ability to be converted into a tow able trailerconfiguration for the purpose of transporting from job to job.

It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a vacuumconduit boom with sufficient structural strength, power and articulatedmovement to allow an operator to move and control the location of thesuction end of the vacuum conduit into a manhole lateral line along witha jetter spray nozzle.

It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide anarticulated powered vacuum conduit boom with sufficient structuralstrength to allow an operator to remotely move and control the locationof the suction end of the vacuum conduit with one or more attachmentsadjacently attached to the suction end of said vacuum conduit and saidattachments being chosen from an earth digging bucket, a telescopingvacuum conduit, sensor to locate buried utilities, monitors and controlsto operate the attachments and their function, water spray nozzle,manhole cover remover, cutting tool, grinding tool, saw, blasting tool,surface cleaning tool, demolition tool, torque wrench, tractor to pullvacuum hose, jetter nozzle, or camera and power source to operate them.

It is yet another objective of the present invention to separatehydrocarbons from the contents vacuumed into the vacuum container.

It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a meansto purify or sterilize the contents vacuumed into the vacuum tank.

It is yet another objective of the present invention to mount adjacentlyto the suction end of said vacuum conduit one or more of a hydraulictorque wrench, 360 degree rotating elbow, 360 degree knuckle, earthpenetrating utility sensor, earth penetrating utility locator, man holecover remover, high pressure water demolition means, sand blastingattachments, water jetter nozzle, vacuum conduit tractor, concretecutting means, asphalt cutting means, surface cleaning attachments,vibrator excavation means, aerodynamic rotary water jet surface cleaner,multiple rotary pulse water nozzles arranged around the circumference ofthe suction end of a vacuum conduit, a and pressurized water conduit, orair over water demolition means mounted adjacently to the suction end ofsaid vacuum conduit.

It is yet another objective of the present invention to have a powerplant comprising one or more of a vacuum blower exhaust muffler, avacuum pump, a motor, an engine, a water pump, a hydraulic pump, an aircompressor, a hydraulic reservoir, or fuel reservoir mounted adjacent tothe vacuum container.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above described objectives and others are met by a method comprisinga device which will create a vacuum condition within a vacuum containerand the vacuum container being mounted on a sufficient incline to allowdebris to be empted out by gravity and to provide space beneath thedebris tank to locate a water storage container and having a vacuumconduit to transport liquid and or solid particles into the vacuumcontainer. A dispensing device may be added to dispense a liquid or asolid from the vacuum container without eliminating the vacuumenvironment within the vacuum container, and said vacuum containerhaving the ability to fill, store and dispense its contentssimultaneously. The vacuum container may further comprise a means toseparate a liquid from solids. The vacuum conduit boom used to transportdebris into the vacuum container may have the added feature of being anarticulated powered vacuum conduit boom with sufficient structuralstrength to allow an operator to remotely move and control the locationof the suction end of the vacuum conduit with one or more attachmentsadjacently attached to the suction end of said vacuum conduit and saidattachments being chosen from an earth digging bucket, a telescopingvacuum conduit, sensor to locate buried utilities, monitors and controlsto operate the attachments an their function, water spray nozzle,manhole cover remover, cutting tool, grinding tool, saw, blasting tool,surface cleaning tool, demolition tool, torque wrench, tractor to pullvacuum hose, jetter nozzle, or camera and power source to operate them.The boom also has a means to select between or change from one vacuumconduit suction end attachment to another. And said vacuum system beingmounted on a mobile platform chosen from a trailer, truck, skid steer,fork lift, track hoe, railroad car, or zeroturn radius vehicle which mayhave the added feature of being convertible between a powered vehicle &a trailer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION of the DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a vacuum container according to a first embodiment of theinvention having both liquid and solid dispensers and means disposedwithin the container to separate liquids from solids.

FIG. 2 shows a side elevation of a vacuum container according to asecond embodiment of the invention using a screen cylinder to separateliquids from solids and having a pump dispenser disposed within thescreen and having a vibrator attached to the screen. Purification meansare disposed within the vacuum container to remove contaminants from theliquids or solids. Purification means 55, hydrocarbon absorbing means 56and sterilization means 57 are shown disposed within the vacuumcontainer although they can be attached to the container or conduits.Purification, hydrocarbon absorbs ion or sterilization means may chosenfrom, but are not limited to, zealite, ozone or activated carbon orultra violet light or phasing or ultra sonic or chlorine or peat ordiatomasious earth.

FIG. 3 shows a vacuum container and liquid dispenser according to thesecond embodiment of the invention using a powered boom to articulatethe vacuum conduit with vacuum conduit suction end attachments, sensors& controls.

FIG. 4 shows a vacuum container with liquid and solid dispensersaccording to a third embodiment of the invention using an articulatedvacuum and jetter boom to reach into a lateral line of a drain pipe. Avacuum conduit tractor is shown pulling a vacuum conduit & the tractoris shown with a rotating vacuum nozzle, controls, light and camera. Ajetter is also shown loosening debris to be vacuumed. The vacuumcontainer is shown to separate solids & liquids. The liquid is shown tobe dispensed and recycled. The solids are shown to be ground to asmaller size, and transported to a mobile container.

FIG. 5 shows an inclined slope vacuum container with a liquid storagecontainer mounted under the slope of the vacuum tank. Both solid andliquid dispensers are shown according to a fourth embodiment of theinvention. The vacuum unit is mounted on a platform and is shown beingmoved by a skid steer. The liquid is shown to be recycled and the solidsare shown to be dispensed.

FIG. 6 shows a vacuum container according to the fourth embodiment ofthe invention mounted on a zero turn radius vehicle using a poweredarticulating vacuum conduit boom with telescoping conduit and earthdigging bucket. The vacuum conduit is shown with the telescoping sectionof the vacuum conduit extended, and a liquid spray nozzle or airpressure nozzle is shown to be loosening the earth so it can bevacuumed. The earth digging bucket is shown in the retracted position.An earth penetrating sensor is shown mounted on the bucket.

FIG. 7 shows an articulating vacuum conduit boom with multiple sectionsreaching into a drainage pipe lateral line to loosen & vacuum debrisfrom the drainage pipe. A telescoping means is used to assist inreaching in the lateral line.

FIG. 8 shows an inclined slope vacuum container supported by a liquidstorage container mounted under the slope of the vacuum tank. A filterhousing containing filters is shown mounted adjacent to the debris tank.A single door is shown to access both the filter house and the debristank simultaneously. A solids liquid vibrating screen separator is shownmounted to the debris tank portion of the access door. A poweredtelescoping cylinder or linear actuator is shown to open or close theaccess door. A powered articulating vacuum boom is shown with a manholecover removal attachment.

FIG. 9 Shows a cross sectional view of an earth excavator digging a holein the earth using a vacuum container mounted on a zero-turn radiusvehicle & having a solids and liquid separation and unloading means. TheVacuum container is shown connected to an articulated vacuum conduitboom with an earth digging bucket attached in the retracted position. Atelescoping section of the vacuum conduit is shown in the extendedposition vacuuming dirt that has been by water sprayed from a liquidspray nozzle which is shown mounted in the outside circumference of anindention in the suction end of the vacuum conduit. The indentionreduces the size of solid that can enter the vacuum conduit, thusreducing the frequency of solids being clogged in the vacuum conduit.The earth excavator is shown to be convertible between a zero turnradius vehicle and a tow able trailer. The excavator is shown in theexcavating configuration. With the spreader blade being used as a jack.The debris access door is shown opening by a powered telescopingcylinder which in turn moves the pull bars and dried dirt out of thevacuum tank.

FIG. 10 shows the earth excavator in the towing configuration as atrailer attached behind a truck. The trailer hitch has been towered &the swivel front wheels have been raised. The articulated vacuum boomhas been configured into a stored position and the combination dirtpushing blade and jack has been raised.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Using the drawings, the preferred embodiments of the present inventionwill now be explained.

FIG. 1 shows the first embodiment of the invention, being one example ofvarious possible arrangements of apparatus within a vacuum container 12for the purpose of accomplishing a method of separating solids 6 orliquids 2 by predetermined category and then dispensing said solids 6 orliquids 2 using a dispensing means 1 without eliminating the vacuumenvironment within the vacuum container 12. In FIG. 1, the apparatus ofthe present invention include a vacuum container 12, a vacuum producingmeans 11, a conduit 13 to allow air to move from vacuum container 12 tovacuum producing means 11, a second conduit 14 dispenses air from thevacuum producing means 11. Vacuum container 12 has an access door 18having a hinge 20 and a latching means 19. Solids 6 or liquids 2 arevacuumed into vacuum container 12 by means of a vacuum conduit 17. InFIG. 1, the ground 35 is earthen dirt. Liquid 2, which has been storedin container 8, is pumped by pump 7 through pump discharge conduit 5 toa spray nozzle 26. The pressurized liquid 2 dislodges and emulsifies theground 35 so it becomes vacuum able. The vacuum able ground 35 andliquid 2 are vacuumed through conduit 17 and into vacuum container 12.The solids 6 and liquids 2 fall onto a screen 21 which is vibrated byvibrator 23. Screen 21 is mounted on springs 22 which are supported bysupport means 24. Liquid 2 passes through screen 21 and is dispensedfrom the vacuum container 12 by means of a liquid dispenser means 1which is shown as a rotary void style in this example. The solids 6which are too large to pass through the vibrating screen 21 are vibratedto a solids dispensing means 10 which in this example is a rotary voidstyle dispenser. The solids 6 are dispensed into solids conveyor 49. Thevacuum container 12 is supported by a pivot arm 28 and a cylinder 29which may be extended to dump contents out of container access door 18.The above system is mounted on a mobile platform 31 with wheels 30. FIG.1 is shown excavating ground 35 in order to locate a utility 15 withoutdoing damage to said utility 15.

In a second embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, thescreen 21 is formed in the shape of a cylinder. The solids 6 and liquids2 which are vacuumed through conduit 17, are deposited into vacuumcontainer 12 around the vibrated screen well 21. The solids 6 whichcannot pass through the screen well 21, remain in the vacuum container12 to be dumped out through access door 18 when it is opened andcylinder 29 is extended. Liquid 2 passes through screen 21 thusdewatering the solids 6 which remain in vacuum container 12. Liquid 2,which passes through screen 21, is dispensed from vacuum container 12 bymeans of liquid dispenser 1, which in this example is a pump. The liquid2 passes through conduit 16 and into hydrocyclone 25 where the solids 6and liquid 2 separation is further refined. The solids 6 are dischargedthrough solids discharge conduit 4 into vacuum container 12 and liquidsare discharged through conduit 3 which discharges into a liquid 2storage container 8 thus providing a method to reclaim and recyclevacuumed liquids 2. Purification elements 55 such as ozone, activatedcarbon or zealite, hydrocarbon absorbing means 56 and a sterilizationmeans 57 is located within the vacuum container 12 in order to purify,sterilize or remove hydrocarbons from the liquids 2 or solids 6 as theypass through vacuum container 12. The sterilization means 57, orpurification means 55 or hydrocarbon means 56 may also be disposedwithin the suction conduit 17 or dispensing conduit 16, or dispensingmeans 1 or 10.

FIG. 3 has the added features of a mobilization means 36 being a poweredmobile boom to articulate the movement of vacuum conduit 17 and vacuumconduit attachments 32 which may consist of cutters, demolition means,surface grinders, cleaners, air jets, water jets, scoops, etc. Utilitylocation sensors 33 with monitor/controller means 34 are shown to assistin locating and accessing a utility 15 buried under ground 35 which mayconsist of dirt, stone, asphalt, concrete or a combination there of. Thesystem of FIG. 3 is shown to also be recycling the liquid 2 as itlocates, uncovers or avoids a utility 15.

In a third embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 4, the solids 6 arepassed through a solids grinder 27 in order to reduce the solids 6 sizeto a predetermined size before being dispensed by a solids dispenser 10which in this example is a progressive cavity screw. The dispensedsolids are collected in solids receiver container 9 to be hauled off.The liquid 2 is shown being dispensed by liquid dispenser means 1, whichin this example is a diaphragm pump. The recycled liquid 2 is pumpedthrough hose reel 37 by transfer pump 7 to a water jetter 39 spraying awater jet 40, thus cleaning drain pipe 38 with recycled water as itmoves.

The recycled liquid 2 along with solids 6 washed from drain pipe 38 arevacuumed up by the vacuum conduit 17 which is shown as an articulatedpowered vacuum conduit boom 36. The articulated powered boom 36 also hasmeans to place the jetter 39 into location down a manhole 59 and into alateral drainage conduit 38 and dispense the jetter conduit 58. In thisexample, telescoping cylinder 41 is used to articulate the vacuumconduit boom 36 and jetter 39. Vacuum boom structure 44 allows thevacuum conduit 17 to be rigid enough to move, support weight and forcein order to articulate and operate attachments such as the vacuumconduit tractor 51 which is articulated into a starting position by thevacuum conduit boom 36. Vacuum conduit powered tractor 51 then movesvacuum conduit 17 to debris 45 to be vacuumed. Vacuum hose reel 54unreels and retracts vacuum hose 17 as needed. Vacuum conduit tractor 51can have a sensor controller means 52 attached so as to monitor andcontrol the vacuuming process. Vacuum conduit tractor 51 can also befitted with an articulating suction head means 53, which allows thevacuum conduit tractor to access debris 45 in multiple degrees. Althoughthe articulating vacuum conduit boom 36 is shown vacuuming debris from adrain pipe, said vacuum conduit boom 36 works equally well vacuumingsubstances from railcars, barges, tankers, silos, or shavings and dungfrom the barn and stables.

In a fourth embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 5, & 6 thecontainer 12 is placed on an inclined slope which also creates alocation beneath vacuum container 12 to locate a water storage container8, thus providing a compact vacuum container with water tank 8 system.The vacuum container 12 having an inclined screen 21, which continues asa portion of the solids dispenser 10 hopper. In this example, the solidsdispenser 10 is in the form of a screw conveyor. Liquid 2, which passesthrough the screen 21, is dispensed by liquid dispenser 1, which in thisembodiment is shown as a pump.

In FIG. 5, the system is skid mounted and being mobilized on a skidsteer 74. A forklift, track vehicle, railroad car, truck, backhoe ortrack hoe may be used as well.

FIG. 6 illustrates an earth excavator which can alternate between theuse of vacuum excavation & bucket 43 excavation. This is illustrated inthis example by a vacuum container 12, with its components, mounted on azero turn radius vehicle 31. An articulated powered vacuum conduit boom36 is also mounted to the zero turn radius vehicle 31. The articulatedpowered vacuum conduit 17 boom 36 is constructed with sufficientstrength to mount & operate an earth digging bucket 43 adjacent to thesuction end of the vacuum conduit 17. The added means of a telescoping42 section of vacuum conduit 17 extended to vacuum excavate or may beretracted to allow use of a bucket 43 for digging. The suction end ofthe telescoping 42 vacuum conduit 17 is shown to have a liquid spraynozzle 26 attached to the outer circumference of an indention 75 in thesuction end of the vacuum conduit 17. The indention serves both torestrict the size of a solid entering vacuum conduit 17 to a size toosmall to get clogged in the conduit 17 & to serves as a location tomount the spray nozzle 26 at an orientation which will aim the s liquid2 spray in a direction which will loosen & emulsify the earth 35 locatedat the suction end entrance of vacuum conduit 17. Controller 34represents the sensors & monitors used to automate the sequencing of thearticulation of the vacuum conduit boom 36 into location, the locatingof utilities 15 by earth penetrating utility sensor 33, and theselection between & sequencing between earth digging bucket 43 &telescoping 42 vacuum conduit 17 & liquid spray nozzle 26. In thisillustration a liquid spray nozzle 26 is shown to be used to loosen thedirt, but an air pressure nozzle may be substituted for the liquid spraynozzle 26 to loosen dirt thus making it vacuum able. A liquid 2 supplyconduit 5 is shown to be mounted adjacent to the vacuum conduit 17 boom36.

FIG. 8 shows a vacuum boring & mud recovery system similar to FIG. 6preparing to clean a drainage pipe 38. A manhole cover 46 is beingremoved to gain access to the drainage pipe 38 by a manhole cover 46removal attachment 47 mounted to the articulated powered vacuum conduitboom 36. A conduit 48 supplies power to the manhole cover removalattachment means 47. The manhole cover removal attachment means 47 maybe an electro magnet, a suction cup or a mechanical attachment means.FIG. 8 represents a fifth embodiment of the vacuum container 2 showingthe vacuum container 2 mounted on an inclined slope, supported by aliquid container 8 located beneath the incline of the vacuum container12, and mounted on a generic mobile platform. The inclined angle issufficient to allow the contents of the vacuum container to be removedby gravity when the door 18 is opened. A filter housing 64 having airfilters disposed within it, is shown mounted adjacent to the vacuumcontainer 12 in a configuration to allow simultaneous access to it & thedebris tank 12 by a single door 12. A powered telescoping cylinder 63,chosen from a linear actuator or hydraulic, or air cylinder is shownmounted within the vacuum container 12 and to the access door 18. Thistelescoping cylinder 63 opens or closes the access door 18. A vibratingscreen 21 is shown mounted to the access door 18 in this illustration.Mounting the vibrating screen 21 solids 6 liquids 2 separator to theaccess door 18 allows improved access for emptying & cleaning.

FIG. 7 shows an articulated powered jetter boom 60 having multiple boomsections 50 attached to a mobile platform. The boom 60 is shownloosening debris 45 from a drain pipe 38. Telescoping jetter conduit 61provides extension of water jetter's reach. Rotary structural supportmeans 44 provide swivel and rotating means.

FIG. 9 shows a cross sectional view of an vacuum boring & mood recoveryunit digging a hole in the earth 35 using a vacuum container 12 mountedon a zero-turn radius vehicle 31 & having a solids 6 and liquid 2separation means being a vibrating screen 21 and solids unloading dragbar 62 means. The Vacuum container 12 is shown connected to a vacuumconduit 17 articulated boom 36 with an earth digging bucket 43 attachedin the retracted position. A telescoping section 42 of the vacuumconduit 17 is shown in the extended position vacuuming dirt 6 that hasbeen emulsified by water 2 sprayed from a liquid spray nozzle 26 whichis shown mounted in the outside circumference of an indention 75 in thesuction end of the vacuum conduit 17. The indention reduces the size ofsolid 6 that can enter the vacuum conduit 17, thus reducing thefrequency of solids 6 being clogged in the vacuum conduit 17. The earthexcavator is shown to be converted from a self propelled zero turnradius vehicle 31 to a tow able trailer, by using the scrapper blade 66as a jack to raise the front swivel wheels 68 of the ground 35. As shownin FIG. 10 the front swivel wheels 68 may be raised and the tow bartongue 67 may be lowered thus readying the unit for towing as shown inFIG. 10. The excavator is shown in the excavating configuration. Withthe spreader blade 66 being used as a jack to sturdy the machine whiledigging. The debris access door 18 is shown opening by a poweredtelescoping cylinder 63, which in turn moves the pull bars 62 and drieddirt 6 out of the vacuum tank 12. In this illustration the water tank 8and the power plant 76 which may include an engine, hydraulic motor,vacuum pump, air compressor, water pump, muffler or controls, are bothpositioned beneath the slope of the inclined slope vacuum container 12thus creating an even more compact vacuum boring & mud recovery systemwith an even greater concentration of weight. The water tank 8 in FIGS.8, 9 & 10 are shown supporting the vacuum container 12. The operatorcontrols the device from the operator seat 73. Control center 34includes means to control solids 6 liquid 2 separation & recycling,functions of excavation, location & avoidance of utilities, mapping ofwork area, recording of performance.

FIG. 10 shows the device in towing position behind a towing vehicle 70.

It is recognized that while each of the figures show different types ofvacuum methods, vacuum booms, vacuum containers with different types ofsolid or liquid separation and dispensing, the various apparatuses areinterchangeable and can replace one another. Further more, although someof the articulated powered vacuum conduit booms are shown with vacuumcontainers having liquid or solid dispensers, it is recognized that thearticulated powered vacuum conduit boom and its attachment means can beused alone or in conjunction with any type of vacuum system.

The preceding description has been presented only to illustrate anddescribe the invention. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limitthe invention to any precise form disclosed. Many modifications andvariations are possible in light of the above teaching.

The preferred embodiment was chosen and described in order to bestexplain the principles of the invention and its practical application.The preceding description is intended to enable others skilled in theart to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and withvarious modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by thefollowing claims.

DEFINITION

-   1—Dispensing means-   2—Liquid-   3—Liquid Discharge conduit from Hydro cyclone 25-   4—Solids Discharge conduit from Hydro cyclone 25-   5—Discharge conduit from Liquid transfer pump 7-   6—Solids-   7—Liquid Transfer pump-   8—Container to hold dispensed liquids-   9—Container to hold dispensed solids-   10—Solids dispenser-   11—Vacuum producing means-   12—Vacuum container-   13—Conduit to connect Vacuum container 12—vacuum producing means 11-   14—Discharge conduit from Vacuum producing means 11-   15—Utility-   16—Inlet conduit to Hydro cyclone 25-   17—Vacuum conduit-   18—End door to Vacuum container 12-   19—Means to secure end door 18-   20—Hinge for End door 18-   21—Screen-   22—Spring on Screen 21-   23—Vibrator-   24—Support for Springs 22-   25—Hydro cyclone-   26—Liquid sprayer-   27—Grinder-   28—Pivot support for Vacuum container 12-   29—Cylinder to Raise and Lower Vacuum Container 12-   30—Wheels on Mobile Platform 31-   31—Zero Turn Radius Vehicle-   32—Cutting, Demolition, Cleaning and Blasting attachment means-   33—Utility Sensor means-   34—Monitor and/or Controller for Utility Sensor means 33-   35—Ground Surface being dirt, asphalt, stone, or concrete-   36—Articulated Vacuum conduit 17 boom with attachments 32-   37—Hose Reel-   38—Drain Conduit-   39—Jetter-   40—Water Jet-   41—Means to power the Articulating Vacuum Boom-   42—Telescoping Vacuum conduit-   43—Digging Bucket-   44—Structural Means to Support and Articulate Vacuum Conduit-   45—Debris-   46—Manhole Cover-   47—Means to Remove Manhole Cover such as Electric Magnet, suction,    mechanical fastener-   48—Power to Manhole Cover removal means 47-   49—Solids Conveyer-   50—Boom Section-   51—Vacuum conduit Tractor-   52—Vacuum conduit Tractor Sensor, Controller, Camera, or light-   53—Vacuum conduit Tractor Articulating Suction Head-   54—Vacuum Hose Reel-   55—Purification Elements such as ozone, activated carbon or zealite-   56—Hydro carbon Absorbing means-   57—Sterilization means-   58—Jetter Hose-   59—Man Hole-   60—Articulating Jetter Boom-   61—Telescoping Jetter Conduit-   62—Solids Debris Drag Bar-   63—Telescoping Rear Door Closure means-   64—Filter Housing-   65—Filter-   66—Scraper Blade/Jack-   67—Pivot able Towing Tongue-   68—Pivot able/Swivel Wheels-   69—Pivot Axel for Combination Tongue 67 and Wheels 68-   70—Towing Vehicle-   71—Boom Platform-   72—Hydraulic Drive Motor-   73—Operator Seat-   74—Skid Steer-   75—Indention in the suction end if the vacuum conduit 17-   76—Power Plant

1. A mobile vacuum boring and mud recovery method comprising the stepsof: providing a vacuum container, said vacuum container having a vacuumproducing means to create a vacuum within said vacuum container,providing a vacuum conduit to vacuum liquid or solid particles into saidvacuum container, providing a means to allow a gas to go through saidvacuum container while leaving said liquid or solid particles withinsaid vacuum container and said vacuum conduit being a poweredarticulated boom with sufficient structural strength to attach andarticulate a mechanical means of loosening said solids and saidmechanical means of loosening solids being mounted adjacent to a suctionend of said vacuum conduit.
 2. A method of boring in dirt, mud recoveryor surface cleaning which comprises the steps of: providing a vacuumcontainer, said vacuum container having a vacuum producing means tocreate a vacuum within said container, providing a vacuum conduit tovacuum liquid or solid particles into said vacuum container, providing ameans to allow a gas to go through said vacuum container while leavingsaid liquid or solid particles within said vacuum container and saidvacuum conduit being a powered articulated boom with sufficientstructural strength to attach and articulate a mechanical means ofloosening solids to be vacuumed and said mechanical means of looseningsolids being mounted adjacent to the suction end of said vacuum conduitand said mechanical means being chosen from an earth digging bucket, acutting tool, a grinder, a saw, a blasting tool, a surface cleaningtool, vibrator excavation means, or a demolition tool.
 3. A mobilevacuum boring and mud recovery method comprising the steps of: providinga vacuum container, said vacuum container having a vacuum producingmeans to create a vacuum within said vacuum container, providing avacuum conduit to vacuum liquid or solid particles into said vacuumcontainer, providing a means to allow a gas to go through said vacuumcontainer while leaving said liquid or solid particles within saidvacuum container and said vacuum conduit being a powered articulatedboom with sufficient structural strength to attach and articulate amechanical means of loosening said solids and said mechanical means ofloosening solids being mounted adjacent to the suction end of saidvacuum conduit and said mechanical means of loosening said solids beingchosen from an earth digging bucket, a cutting tool, a grinder, a saw, ablasting tool, a surface cleaning tool, or a demolition tool, and saidvacuum conduit having a telescoping section of vacuum conduit inproximity to said mechanical means of loosening solids, and having ameans to select between digging with said mechanical means of looseningsolids, or vacuuming with said telescoping section of vacuum conduit,and having automated means to monitor or control the operation of saidpowered articulated vacuum conduit, said telescoping section of saidvacuum conduit or said mechanical means of loosening solids, and saidmobile means being chose from a zero-turn radius vehicle, a trailer, atruck, a skid steer, a fork lift, a track vehicle, a rail car.
 4. Amobile vacuum boring and mud recovery method as described in claim 1,further comprising the steps of: said mechanical means of loosening saidsolids being an earth digging bucket.
 5. A mobile vacuum boring and mudrecovery method as described in claim 1, further comprising the stepsof: said mechanical means of loosening said solids being an earthdigging bucket, and said vacuum conduit having a telescoping section ofvacuum conduit in proximity to said earth digging bucket, and said earthdigging bucket may have the added feature of having an earth penetratingutility sensor, or earth penetrating utility locator for locating buriedutilities.
 6. A mobile vacuum boring and mud recovery method asdescribed in claim 1, further comprising the steps of: said mechanicalmeans of loosening said solids being chosen from an earth diggingbucket, a cutting tool, a grinder, a saw, a blasting tool, a surfacecleaning tool, or a demolition tool, sand blasting attachments, concretecutting means, asphalt cutting means, surface cleaning attachments, orvibrator excavation means.
 7. A mobile vacuum boring and mud recoverymethod as described in claim 1, further comprising the steps of: saidmechanical means of loosening said solids being chosen from an earthdigging bucket, a cutting tool, a grinder, a saw, a blasting tool, asurface cleaning tool, or a demolition tool, sand blasting attachments,concrete cutting means, asphalt cutting means, surface cleaningattachments, or vibrator excavation means, and said powered articulatedvacuum conduit boom having a telescoping section of vacuum conduit inproximity to said mechanical means to loosen said solids.
 8. A mobilevacuum boring and mud recovery method as described in claim 1, furthercomprising the steps of: said mechanical means of loosening solids beingchosen from an earth digging bucket, a cutting tool, a grinder, a saw, ablasting tool, a surface cleaning tool, or a demolition tool, and saidvacuum conduit having a telescoping section of vacuum conduit inproximity to said mechanical means of loosening said solids, and havinga means to select between digging with said mechanical means ofloosening said solids or vacuuming with said telescoping section ofvacuum conduit.
 9. A mobile vacuum boring and mud recovery method asdescribed in claim 1, further comprising the steps of: said mechanicalmeans of loosening solids being chosen from an earth digging bucket, acutting tool, a grinder, a saw, a blasting tool, a surface cleaningtool, or a demolition tool, and said vacuum conduit having a telescopingsection of vacuum conduit in proximity to said mechanical means ofloosening solids, and having an earth penetrating utility sensor, orearth penetrating utility locator for locating buried utilities, andhaving a means to select between digging with said mechanical means ofloosening said solids, or vacuuming with said telescoping section ofvacuum conduit, and having automated means to monitor or controls theoperate of said powered articulated vacuum conduit boom, saidtelescoping section of said vacuum conduit, said mechanical means ofloosening solids or said earth penetrating utility sensor or earthpenetrating utility locator
 10. A mobile vacuum boring and mud recoverymethod as described in claim 1, further comprising the steps of: saidmechanical means of loosening solids being chosen from an earth diggingbucket, a cutting tool, a grinder, a saw, a blasting tool, a surfacecleaning tool, or a demolition tool, and said vacuum conduit having atelescoping section of vacuum conduit in proximity to said mechanicalmeans of loosening solids, and having a means to select between diggingwith said mechanical means of loosening solids, or vacuuming with saidtelescoping section of vacuum conduit, and having automated means tomonitor or controls the operate of said powered articulated vacuumconduit, said telescoping section of said vacuum conduit or saidmechanical means of loosening solids, and said mobile means being chosenfrom a zero-turn radius vehicle, a trailer, a truck, a skid steer, afork lift, a track vehicle, or a rail car.
 11. A mobile vacuum boringand mud recovery method as described in any one of claim 1, 2 or 3further comprising the steps of: said vacuum container being chosen froma horizontal mounted vacuum container, a vertical mounted vacuumcontainer or a vacuum container mounted at an inclined slope sufficientto allow debris to empty from said debris container by gravity and toprovide space for said liquid storage container to be mounted below saidincline of said vacuum debris container, and further comprising thesteps of: having a means of mounting a filter housing adjacent to saidvacuum debris container with a single door access to both said filterhousing and said vacuum container, and said filter housing havingfilters disposed within to remove debris from said air, and having ameans to open or close said debris access door using a telescoping meansdisposed within said debris container, and said telescoping means beingchosen from a hydraulic cylinder or linear actuator.
 12. A mobile vacuumboring and mud recovery method as described in any one of claim 1, 2 or3 further comprising the steps of: having a means of separating liquidsfrom solids comprising a vibrating screen disposed within said vacuumcontainer, and having a means to dispense said liquid or solid from saidvacuum container without eliminating the vacuum environment within saidvacuum container.
 13. A mobile vacuum boring and mud recovery method asdescribed in any one of claim 1, 2 or 3 further comprising the steps of:having a power plant comprising one or more of a vacuum blower exhaustmuffler, a vacuum pump, a motor, an engine, a water pump, a hydraulicpump, an air compressor, a hydraulic reservoir, or fuel reservoir.
 14. Amobile vacuum boring and mud recovery method as described in any one ofclaim 1, 2 or 3 further comprising the steps of: having a means toremove hydrocarbons, or purify or sterilize the contents within saidvacuum container or vacuum conduit.
 15. A mobile vacuum boring and mudrecovery method as described in any one of claim 1, 2 or 3 furthercomprising the steps of: said powered articulating vacuum conduit boomhaving one or more, boom arms, 360 degree rotating elbow, 360 degreeknuckle, or telescoping vacuum conduit sections.
 16. A mobile vacuumboring and mud recovery method as described in any one of claim 1, 2 or3 further comprising the steps of: having one or more of a hydraulictorque wrench, 360 degree rotating elbow, 360 degree knuckle, earthpenetrating utility sensor, earth penetrating utility locator, man holecover remover, high pressure water demolition means, sand blastingattachments, water jetter nozzle, vacuum conduit tractor, concretecutting means, asphalt cutting means, surface cleaning attachments,vibrator excavation means, aerodynamic rotary water jet surface cleaner,multiple rotary pulse water nozzles arranged around the circumference ofthe suction end of a vacuum conduit, a and pressurized water conduit, orair over water demolition means mounted adjacently to the suction end ofsaid vacuum conduit.
 17. A mobile vacuum boring and mud recovery methodas described in any one of claim 1, 2 or 3 further comprising the stepsof: having a means to select between or change from one vacuum suctionend attachment to another.